Helen.—You certainly hurried. (She offers him her hand.)
Vlasák (Advances towards Hlaváček, with a measured bow).—Doctor Vlasák.
Hlaváček.—Hlaváček, the painter. I’m pleased to meet you. (Extends his hand.)
Helen (To Hlaváček).—But you surely paint something, Mr. Hlaváček. (Pleadingly.) Please show it to us!
Hlaváček (Easily) Miss Lindner embarrasses me. I don’t paint at home at all, Miss Lindner, because I’m now doing ornamental work on the home of Skaliček, the architect.
Mrs. Heller.—And have you nothing at all at home?
Hlaváček.—Only a picture just begun. But it’s getting a rest now there in our bedroom, for it would uselessly litter up the studio.
Mrs. Heller.—Ah, so you also live here? How pleasant?
Helen(Goes to door at right).—May I?
Dušek.—Oh, Miss Lindner—I beg, please—don’t go in there! Old bachelors’ disorder—
Helen.—What of it? (Enters the smaller room.) This?
Mrs. Heller.—Helen is so willful! (Laughs.)
Dušek (Follows Helen into the smaller room).—I beg you, Miss Lindner, don’t notice our housekeeping!
(Helen laughing audibly behind the scenes.)
Hlaváček (Talking at the same time).—I’d sink with shame if I couldn’t show the ladies something better. (Laughing.)
Helen (Returning).—Auntie, you ought to see that picture! That’s surely modern enough!
Dušek (Coming after her).—Please don’t tell Hlaváček, lest he imagine that its modernness consists in the unfinished condition of his picture!
(All laugh.)
Vlasák.—Mr. Hlaváček would be no exception.
Helen.—It would be a rare case that would escape a rubbing in from you.
Mrs. Heller.—Allow me, then, Mr. Hlaváček! (She enters the smaller room.)
Dusek (Behind her).—And again I beg, that you don’t get frightened at our disorder.
Hlaváček (Merrily shrugging his shoulders).—I must go and at least defend my masterpiece since it arouses such attention! (Enters the small room.)
Helen (Who has paused, meantime, in front of the screen which
